In this talk, Geoff Keelan will discuss the reasons behind French Canadian nationalist Henri Bourassa’s opposition to the First World War. Bourassa was one of the most vocal opponents to the war in Canada who debated the war’s purpose and value within a Canadian context. Though the majority of Canadians disagreed with him, his position aligned with other international commentators from the Allied countries who also opposed the war. Keelan explores Bourassa’s thoughts on Canada at war as well as international issues during the years 1914-1918.

Geoff Keelan is completing his PhD on Henri Bourassa and the First World War. He finished his undergraduate at Wilfrid Laurier University, before heading to the University of Waterloo for his Master’s and PhD. His other projects have included work on commemoration of the First World War and the French Canadian experience from 1914-1918. He was employed by LCMSDS before moving to London, Ontario, where he continues to work on finishing his graduate work and other historical research.

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